(Courtesy of Banana Republic)
New Banana Republic flagship brings blast of fresh air to Union Square + more local style scoop
01 November 2023
Plus, Marché is hosting a can't-miss holiday marketplace in Oakland, local artists Erin Hupp and Jaime Lovejoy open a gallery pop-up in San Francisco, and Alexis Traina's style-y HiNote texting app collaborates with de Gournay.
(Courtesy of Banana Republic)
We could all use some good Union Square retail news: Banana Republic is happy to provide it with the debut of its new, ridiculously beautiful 3,500-square-foot Geary Street flagship. It may be a fraction of the size of its former behemoth store blocks away, but this two-level space oozes urban sophistication with blonde wood floors and statement-making chandeliers.
Luxe pieces with reimagined details (i.e., this skirt and sweater ) from the limited-edition BR x Peter Do capsule collection greet shoppers as they enter. The buzzy collaboration, like the store itself, captures the brand's renewed focus on quality, timeless dressing, and modern versatility.
No doubt, the Gap Inc. brand is thrilled to be back in the heart of the city. "As we embark on the next chapter in the BR story as a premium lifestyle brand, we remain driven by a desire for exploration and connection,"says Sandra Stangl, BR president/CEO. "Our Geary Street store is our brand’s pinnacle flagship, showcasing our continued transformation in our historic hometown."
// 152 Geary St. (Union Square), bananrepublic.gap.com
(Courtesy of Frank & Eileen)
Trust: You really want to get your shopping game on at the Bridge Yard in Oaktown on Saturday, November 11th. The auspicious occasion? Marché visits the Bay Area for the first time. The holiday marketplace will be filled with fashion, jewelry, decor, accessories, beauty products, and culinary treats from more than 50 women-led/owned brands. (We fully endorse a "one for them, one for you" shopping strategy.)
Familiar local labels like Freda Salvador, Coyuchi, MMClay, Marigold, Saffron + Poe and Yami Yami mix it up with the likes of Frank & Eileen, Starling, LoQ, Doré, Ozma, The Great, Ariel Gordon Jewelry and Lindquist, which will be offering free monogramming.
Along with the allure of their goods, the brands share a commitment to ethical, environmentally conscious production and making positive changes in the world. All credit to Marché's cofounders, Sarah Ewick and Betsy Sadler, for setting intentions and hand-picking every one of the badass crew.
"Marché is an opportunity to meaningfully support these women-owned brands, a moment for connection, and a platform to uplift women and the values this community holds dear," Ewick says.
Accompanying all the great shopping: holiday photoshoots, art activities for kids, pizza from Norcina, wine from Sophie James Wine and Lorenza, and coffee/pastries from Flywheel. Plus, anyone who has ever dreamt of getting a brow job from celebrated L.A. artist Kristie Streicher, now's your chance. (Book an appointment before it's too late.)
// 10am to 4pm, Nov. 11 at The Bridge Yard, 210 Burma Rd. (Oakland); pre-sale tix ($15) are available at eventbrite.com; marche-collective.com.
(Courtesy of HiNote)
Blue and green text bubbles are so boring. It's high time to elevate your messages—and now that HiNote x de Gournay have entered the chat, you can do just that. The 10 hand-painted designs from the limited-edition partnership between the personalized digital messaging app (founded by Alexis Traina) and renowned British wallpaper-maker de Gournay cut through all the same-same, ho-hum messages clogging your devices.
The designs can be customized for texting, as well as personalized stationery, invites, social notes and more. They feature beautiful birds, flowers, and gardens based on wallpapers from grand European homes in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Sending and receiving old-world messages in today's digital world? How very modern. Get downloading.
// The app is available only on iOS but Android and web versions are coming soon, highnoteapp.com.
(Courtesy of Erin Hupp)
Local ceramicist Erin Hupp and abstract artist Jaime Lovejoy had so much fun last year at their Hayes Valley gallery pop-up, they're back at it. This year, Union Street plays host. The show, Coming Home, focuses on the feeling of comfort, being grounded, and finding peace within.
Hupp's work centers around her orbital vases, lamps, caviar servers and new mirrors, while Lovejoy's abstract paintings feature tranquil shapes inspired by rock formations and the fluid motion of wind and water.
Bottom line: Art lovers and gift seekers, this one's a must.
// Open Fridays through Sundays, through November and by appointment; 2162 Union St. (Cow Hollow). erinhuppceramics.com, jaimelovejoy.com.